What does the National Guard Federal Recognition Board consist of?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 07:26:35 -0500

I'm submitting for a Warrant Officer slot in the NJARNG, and must stand before a FEDREC Board. I'm not overly concerned, but trying to get a feel of general things to expect as I've only come to the Guard about 10 months ago after 15 years in the Marine Corps. Any assistance is appreciated.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 7:35 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 07:35:15 -0500

The FEDREC boards are typically run by your state. Most states (such as CA) have a local FEDREC board to recognize you as a Warrant Officer Candidate (WOC) before being allowed to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). In CA, once you pass the FEDREC board, your MOS actually changes to a new enlisted MOS--09W, Warrant Officer Candidate. However, this seems to be something limited to certain National Guard states. At any rate, all I can tell you about was my Warrant FEDREC board which consisted of two field grade warrant officers (CW3 or above), and a full bird Colonel. I came in full dress uniform, reported, and they asked me a variety of questions for about 10 minutes with the first being, "So tell us why you want to abandon your beloved NCO Corps to become an officer." After the questioning, I left the room and they deliberated for about 5 minutes. I got invited back where they told me to remove my ASU jacket, and they pinned WOC rank on my collar as they took pictures... So, pretty painless all-in-all. Hope this helps. If you need anymore answers, feel free to private message me.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 7:40 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 07:40:37 -0500

The FEDREC is kind of a rubber stamp and last step. They look at your records and concur what ever your state recommends. FEDREC makes sure your rank gets updated in all Federal DoD systems. Their approval date will become your date of rank. The only way the FEDREC doesn't concur is if you're flagged in the system.

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Feb 8 at 2017 10:14 AM

LTC Michael Hrycak — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:14:23 -0500

Your state Joint Force Headquarters convenes a Federal Recognition Board to confirm any change in your rank that requires such recognition. It will usually be several officers, or NCO's, both Reserve and Active Components. The senior member will be the president of the board and will conduct the proceedings, which confirm that you have met all the requirements of federal recognition, i.e. selected for promotion, completed requisite schooling, current physical and APFT, and adequate Evaluation Reports.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 6:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 18:28:32 -0500

It's just a group of senior enlisted and commissioned that look at packets without names and judge them on merit, not like you are standing in front of them ansering questions

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2017 4:06 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:06:01 -0500

I went through a FEDREC back in may and am in my final couple of months of RTI to become a Warrant. When I went through my board, I reported in to the president of the board, a full bird, there was a W2, a major and a W3 that sat in on my board. I was asked general questions. (Why do you wasnt to become a Warrant Officer? With all of your experience between active duty and the national guard what can you do as a Warrant that you cant as an NCO).
Its just a bump in the road toward your end goal of becoming a Warrant Officer. Good luck to you on your board and your packet.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2017 5:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 17:40:26 -0500

The one that I went to was a Gentleman's board, we put on our A's and talked for a few mins and it was over. I think they assume that if you have everything in order and have made it that far that you are good to go.

It is unlikely that the Active officers would be able to determine your professional skills so they are doing the more of a meet and greet.

YMMV

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 1:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:27:31 -0500